Charity Mothers Helpers has been overwhelmed with donations for the families with young children who have lost their father in the recent Christchurch mosque attacks. Both the public and businesses such as Zinc, Harper Collins and Snugbags have contributed to a plea put out by Mothers Helpers who are travelling to Christchurch to visit with the families of Ramiz Vora and Atta Elayyan today. Edgy clothes designer Eskimo Nell raised $3600 for the families with all proceeds of her “Stronger Together” t-shirt sales going towards the cause.

Mothers Helpers Founder & Service Manager Kristina Paterson says she has been humbled by the opportunity to pass on the love and support of the public to these families who have lost so much: “These families and the muslim community have been incredibly gracious to us - allowing us to visit with them at what is an incredibly difficult time. We are really grateful for the opportunity to pass on our condolences with these wonderful donations, and offer our support.”

Ramiz Vora leaves behind his mother, wife and 4 week old daughter who also lost her grandfather Asif Vora. Atta Elayyan leaves behind his wife and 2 year old daughter.

“We are now aware that there are a number of families with very young children who have lost a loved one in the recent attacks, and we wish we could do more for these families. Unfortunately at the time we started raising funds and donations, Ramiz and Atta’s were the only families we were aware of with young children, but our offer of support is available to any of the families who have young children who have been affected by the Christchurch mosque attacks” Paterson says.

Mothers Helpers provides help and support to families with children 4 years and younger who are under stress and particularly those susceptible to depression and anxiety: “We can offer mums a free social work assessment, referrals to further support and we run a Perinatal Depression programme that is really effective in preventing and recovering from anxiety/depression.”

Upon their return to Auckland, Mothers Helpers will visit and pass on donations to the Alsati family whose 4 year old daughter Alen continues to be in critical care at Starship Hospital. They are still accepting donations for this family from the public. To make a donation email info@mothershelpers.co.nz Mothers wanting support for depression/anxiety should contact www.mothershelpers.org.nz or 0800-002-717.

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